Communications Professionals in Philanthropy Community of Practice – Communicating in a Polarised Environment
The Communications Professionals in Philanthropy Community of Practice will come together on 12-14 March in Philanthropy House, Brussels to explore “Communicating in a Polarised Environment”.
Recent election results and the global backsliding of democracies are leaving lasting effects on society and transforming the way we communicate. The growing fragmentation of society into opposing groups, fuelled by the rise of social media, has intensified polarisation.
Digital discourse is increasingly shaped by fragmentation and polarisation, making it ever more difficult to reach audiences through social media networks. In this context, effective communication has become more challenging as political beliefs strongly shape attitudes toward purpose-driven issues such as climate change and gender equality.
This deepening divide also presents complex challenges for philanthropy. Philanthropic funding and initiatives are now under greater scrutiny, with rising concerns about legitimacy and impact. In such a polarised environment, communications professionals in philanthropy must be prepared for worst-case scenarios while also creating opportunities for meaningful engagement.
“Communicating in a Polarised Environment” will equip participants with a deeper understanding of how polarisation and misinformation spread, the narratives that can counteract them, and best practices for effective communication in a divided landscape.
How does polarisation impact public perceptions of philanthropy? What strategies can help build trust across divided audiences? How can philanthropic organisations proactively prepare for and respond to crisis situations in a highly polarised media landscape? What communication approaches are most effective in engaging diverse audiences while avoiding further division?
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